Dear Colleagues,

I am honored and excited to serve as interim dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Having spent nearly three decades at New Mexico State University, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication, expertise, and passion that define this college. It is a privilege to work alongside each of you as we continue to advance our mission and serve the people of New Mexico.

The College of ACES has a rich history of excellence in teaching, research, and Extension. These three missions are at the heart of who we are and what we do. As we move forward, I am committed to supporting and strengthening the integration of these missions so that our work continues to have meaningful impact across the state, nation, and beyond.

While we remain grounded in our land-grant mission and the values that have guided this college for generations, we must also embrace opportunities to innovate. Higher education, agriculture, communities, and industries continue to evolve, and our ability to adapt, collaborate, and pursue new ideas will be critical to our future success. Together, we can build on our strengths while exploring new approaches that enhance student success, expand research opportunities, and increase the reach and effectiveness of our Extension programs.

I believe our greatest strength is our people. The accomplishments of this college are the result of faculty and staff who are deeply committed to excellence and service. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside you as we continue to advance the college's priorities and create opportunities for growth and impact.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students, stakeholders, and communities. I am excited about what we can accomplish together and look forward to working with each of you in the months ahead.

Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Rolando Flores for his decade of dedicated leadership and service as dean and for the many contributions he has made to the College of ACES and New Mexico State University.

Thank you,
Jon

Dr. Jon Boren

Interim Dean
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Director, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service